QSA LT30 Age Verification

The requirements of the LT30 Age Verification QSA Program must be supported by a documented quality management system, the requirements of which are defined in QAD 1002 Procedure. The Quality Assessment Division verifies the supplier’s documented quality management system through independent, third party audits in accordance with QAD 1000 Procedure.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has established for Japan, Korea and Taiwan importers a Quality System Assessment (QSA) Program. This program is called the “USDA Less than 30 Month (LT30) Age-Verification Quality System (QSA) Program, Japan, Korea and Taiwan.” This is the most effective way to verify that product from eligible plants will be derived from cattle less than 30 months of age. This program has been fully implemented and is in entry force for the new protocol for the Japan portion of this program.

The QSA Program for Japan, Korea and Taiwan facilitates the international trade of U.S. beef and beef products to customers in Japan, Korea and Taiwan who request products be derived from animals less than 30 months of age at the time of slaughter. The QSA Program for Japan, Korea and Taiwan requirements are outlined in QAD 1035A Procedure.

The approved Programs listed on the Business Listing below have been found in conformance with the requirements of USDA QSA Program for Japan, Korea and Taiwan. These suppliers have been audited and approved by AMS and are eligible to ship product derived exclusively from animals determined to be less than 30 months of age at the time of slaughter under their approved USDA QSA Program for Japan, Korea and Taiwan.